JESUS: HISTORY’S UNDENIED FIGURE
It is remarkable, when you step back and look at the sweep of history, how certain facts stand unshaken even amidst debate and doubt. One of these facts is the existence of Jesus of Nazareth. Every reputable historian who studies the ancient world, the Second Temple period, or the early church agrees: Jesus lived. This consensus spans believers and skeptics, Jews and Christians, agnostics and atheists alike. His existence is not the point of contention; it is the foundation on which all discussion rests.
Where scholars argue is in the interpretation: Who did Jesus understand Himself to be? What did His teachings mean in the turbulent world of first-century Palestine? How should we understand the resurrection? These are the real questions, and the answers vary. Yet in all cases, the historical presence of Jesus is never seriously doubted.
There are those, a small minority, called “mythicists,” who claim Jesus never existed. They write books, articles, and blogs, yet almost all are outside the mainstream of historical scholarship, rarely experts in ancient history, and often addressing popular audiences rather than rigorous peer review. Even agnostic historians of note, like Bart Ehrman, have repeatedly affirmed that denying Jesus’ existence is not a credible position.
Jesus’ life meets every historical test we use for figures of antiquity. Multiple independent sources reference Him, both Christian and non-Christian. He appears in early letters and writings, including Paul’s epistles within decades of His life. Even hostile witnesses, like Tacitus and Josephus, acknowledge His presence. He fits into the broader context of Jewish and Roman history with consistency and coherence.
The truth stands clearly: the debate has never been about whether Jesus lived. That fact is settled. The debate is about who He is. History points to Him; faith follows Him. And in that, Jesus remains alone—undeniable, unparalleled, and eternal, the figure who walks across the pages of history into the hearts of all who will receive Him.
BDD
